Dish 1846 - 1858

This Rockingham-glazed dish was made by Lyman, Fenton & Co., a pottery firm operating in Bennington, Vermont, from 1849. It's an example of the kind of mass-produced utilitarian ware that was popular in the mid-19th century. The mottled brown glaze, known as "Rockingham," was achieved by spattering the ceramic with a combination of metallic oxides. This technique, along with the dish's simple, functional form, reflects the industrial aesthetic of the time. Vermont, with its abundant clay deposits and water power, was a hub of ceramic production. Firms like Lyman, Fenton & Co. contributed to a growing market for affordable, practical goods. By examining company records, period advertisements, and archaeological finds, we can trace the production, distribution, and consumption of such objects. This dish, seemingly humble, offers insight into the economic and social history of 19th-century America, as well as the institutional history of the area. It reminds us that even everyday items can tell compelling stories about the past.